"Into The Tunnel"

Opening Act

Scene opens at County ER. Mark Greene and Doug Ross are working side by side at the front desk, Mark on the computer, and Doug on some files. Maggie Doyle is there, as well as several other ER staff members. Everybody is busy and the ER is, surprising, quiet. Focus on Doug as he looks casually at his watch. Seeing him do this, Mark also looks quickly at his own watch.

Mark:
What time are you leaving?

Doug (nonchalantly):
In a little bit.

Mark:
Picking up Scott?

Doug (keeps working):
No, he's going with Patricia, but, I'm going over to the house a few minutes first.

Mark:
Carol going with you?

Doug (still same listless tone):
No, she's meeting me there.

Mark (gives Doug a careful look):
You OK?

Doug (nods):
I'm fine.

Mark (keeps trying to spark conversation):
You want me to go with you?

Doug (shakes his head):
No necessary.
(looks up at Mark and grins)
Thanks, though.

Show Nina Pomerantz come up to the desk from down the hallway. She stops at Doug and reaches across to touch his arm gently.

Nina (quietly):
Everything OK with you?

Doug (looks up at her...smiles slightly):
Everything's fine.

Nina:
You know where I am if you need me...you or Scott either one, OK?

Doug (nods):
Thanks, Nina. I'll remember that.
(looks at his watch again, looks at Mark)
I better get moving.
(steps away from the counter and heads for the staff lounge)
I'll be back as soon as I can, Mark.

Mark (calls after him):
Don't worry about it. Take all the time you need.

Mark steps away and goes into the lounge behind Doug. Doug has his locker open and is tying his tie when Mark comes in.

Mark (offers again):
I'll go with you, if you want me to.

Doug (grins):
It's OK, Mark.
(reaches for his suit coat and starts tugging his arms into it)
Really. Thanks for offering, but, it's really OK.

Mark (solemnly):
OK... just want you to know I'm here for you...

Doug (sarcastically and he starts by Mark quickly):
Yes, Mark, I know you're there. I can't help but know you're there because you keep suffocating me.

Doug pushes quickly past Mark and disappears out the door, passing Nina Pomerantz in route. Nina is standing in the doorway and gives Mark a sympathetic look once Doug is gone.

Nina:
I'm keeping an eye on him, too, Mark. It may be me who's suffocating him.

Mark (frowns):
He's just got a lot of things on his mind, I guess.

Mark starts out of the lounge and heads back to the desk. Nina walks along with him.

Nina:
On his way to the funeral, I assume?

Mark (nods):
Yeah.

Nina:
I don't envy him.

Mark (shakes his head):
I don't either.

Nina:
Have that got anything worked out for Scott yet? Where he's going to go or anything?

Mark:
Samantha left a will. He's supposed to go with Doug.

Nina:
You say 'supposed to' like maybe Doug doesn't want him to live with him?

Mark (shakes his head):
Nothing like that. I think Doug wants whatever is best for Scott in this case. I think maybe that might be what they haven't fully determined yet.

Nina:
Well, at least Samantha had good sense enough to leave a will to take care of those kids. Not many people think about things like that.

Nina steps on down the hall while Mark stops at the desk.

Focus on Mark, deep in thought over Nina's last words.

Cut scene to Scott Claymont in a room somewhere across town. He is standing in front of a mirror fumbling nervously trying to tie his tie. In the mirror reflection show Doug looking around the door facing. He sees Scott is having trouble and smiles slightly, entering the room quietly.

Doug:
Want some help with that, Buddy?

Scott (turns quickly to see Doug and frowns, still fumbling with his tie):
I can do it.

Doug (goes up to him and gets down on one knee, eye level with Scott):
I know you can, but, sometimes these things are a pain.
(begins helping Scott with his tie)

Scott:
I hate to wear a tie.

Doug (nods in agreement):
I hear you.

Scott:
Is that why you work in scrubs at the hospital?

Doug:
One of them, yeah. The way I look at it, I got enough people who want to put a noose around my neck anyway. I don't need to give them anything that gives them a head start.
(Scott giggles slightly. Doug smiles, then shifts the tone to quiet)
How you doing? Doing OK?

Scott (nods):
Yeah. I'm OK.

Doug (adjusts Scott's suit jacket and straightens his tie):
How about your sisters? They doing OK?

Scott (shrugs):
I guess so.

Doug:
I don't want to spring too many things on you at one time, but, we have some things we need to talk about a little later on, OK?

Scott (nods):
I know. Aunt Trish already told me about it.

Doug (nods):
OK. We'll talk about it together, OK?

Scott:
Oh, I already made up my mind. If you'll have me, I would really love to come and live with you can Carol.

Doug:
You understand everything about Tatiana?

Scott (grin):
Sure. We had a kid at school who was HIV. I know how to be real careful. It'll be OK!

Doug (nods):
Well, OK, then. It's settled.

Scott:
Can I come tonight? Or do I have to wait for the movers to get all my stuff here?

Doug:
Well, I thought you might want to go back to Springfield with your Aunt Trish and get your things yourself?

Scott (shakes his head nervously):
Uh uh.

Doug (gives him a cautious eye):
Are you sure?

Scott (nods quickly):
Yeah.

Doug (nods, still looking cautious):
Well, OK.

Scott:
So, do I have to wait?

Doug (shakes his head):
No, not if you don't want to. You can come home with me tonight, then.

Scott (cautiously):
Are you real sure you want me?

Doug (chuckles as he stands up to start out of the room with Scott):
Huh! Before it's all over, Scott, you're gonna be the one asking that question!

Focus on Scott and Doug walking out of the room together and fade into Opening Credits of the show.

"ER"

"Into The Tunnel"

Act One

Scene opens Chicago exterior daytime in a cemetery. Show people walking away from the grave sites in small groups. Focus on the two Lyons girls walking with Patricia and her husband, with the Claymonts, Fred and Kate, walking close behind them, but show Scott huddling closer to where Doug is walking with Carol than with the rest of his family.

Scott (quietly to Doug):
You have to go back to work, don't you?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, I promised Dr. Greene I'd get back as soon as I could. You gonna be OK?

Scott (nods quickly):
Yeah. How soon can you come and get me?

Doug (a little confused):
You in a big hurry to get moved in?
(Scott shrugs)

Carol (smiles at him):
Well, I'm home today until you get home tonight. He can go ahead and bring what he has with him if he wants and come on back with me.
(Scott gives Doug an excited and hopeful look at this remark)

Scott (wide eyes):
Yeah! Can I!?

Doug (looks at Carol):
You sure you don't mind?

Carol (grins):
Hey, we're a family now. The sooner we get everybody together under one roof the sooner we start getting things back to normal.

Doug (nods):
Well, OK...let's just tell your Aunt Trish...

Carol (smiles at Scott):
I'll handle Patricia. You go on back. Mark may need you.

Doug (nods):
OK.
(Pats Scott on the shoulder)
I'll see you later, Buddy.
(kisses Carol on the cheek)
I'll see you later, too. Give Tatchie a kiss for me.

Carol stays behind with Scott and Doug makes his way towards his car. A few feet from it, however, he is cut off by Fred Claymont, who confronts him one to one and unexpectedly.

Fred (solemnly):
You'll never get that boy, Dr. Ross. You know that, don't you?
(Doug turns to face him, obviously annoyed, but, doesn't argue)
If I have to fight you all the way to the Supreme Court, I will. I don't care what a piece of paper my daughter left behind says. We both know you have no business with a child.

Doug (quietly, but firmly):
Fred, don't you think you should put your feelings about me away and be more concerned about how all this is effecting your grandson?

Fred (gets close to Doug's face to glare at him):
Why did you have to come back? Why couldn't you just leave them alone?

Doug (hand on car door handle, turning away):
I don't have time to argue about this with you, Fred. We'll have plenty of time to discuss it later.

Fred (as Doug starts the car):
When I get through with you, Ross, that kid won't want to even breathe the same air as you!

Doug ignores these threats and pulls the car away quickly. Pull back to show Scott was standing behind a near by tree and witnessed this entire scene. Focus on his confused look and cut scene.

Open next scene back at County ER. Mark going over files in the lounge when Doug comes in and rips open his locker. He is still steamed from his encounter with Fred as he jerks off his suit coat and hangs it up in his locker. He unties his tie and pulls into a scrubs talk, all without acknowledging Mark, who sits and watches him carefully.

Mark (once Doug turns around):
Something wrong?

Doug (angrily):
Do you know that man accosted me at his daughter's grave site? What kind of a low life does that? And he's saying I look bad?

Mark:
Samantha's father?
(Doug nods quickly) Doug:
I don't understand what his problem is! I never did anything to this man!

Mark (smiles wryly):
Except get his daughter pregnant, right?

Doug (scoffs):
Oh, well, he hated me a long time before that ever happened.
(sighs)
I just don't want him to poison Scott, you know?

Mark (shakes his head):
I don't think that's gonna happen. I already get bad vibes between those two anyway. I don't think Scott wants to hear it anymore than you want him to.
(Doug nods an agreement)
Other than that, how did things go?

Doug (sighs):
OK, I guess. I think the real shake down comes now...

Mark (offering):
After shock!
(Doug Chuckles)
Think about it, Doug. Six months ago you were a swinging bachelor having dinner with me! Now, you're married and got two kids to take care of!

Doug (chuckles):
Yeah, guess I work fast, huh?

Doug chuckles as he goes on out the door. Mark watches him go with a chuckle of his own.

Cut scene to show Carol and Scott walking up the steps to the porch of the house. Scott is carrying a back pack with him. Carol puts the key in the lock and opens the door. Scott hesitates just a minute, looking at her with a sad expression.

Carol (softly):
I know this is all a big change for you, Scott. But, I want you to know you can talk to me or Doug about anything, anytime, OK? This is your home now, too. I want you to feel welcome here.

Scott:
Do you think Dad really wants me here? I mean, really?

Carol (smiles):
Yes, I do. He and I talked about it a long time.

Scott:
He doesn't talk much, does he?

Carol walks over and sits in the porch swing. She motions Scott to come and sit beside her, which he does, dragging his back pack along with him.

Carol:
Your Dad is crazy about you, Scott. He just doesn't know you. And on top of all the other changes you're going to have to make with school, and friends, and everything else, you're going to have to try and remember that all this is just as new to him as it is to you. He's going to have to make adjustments, too. We all are. And none of them are going to be easy. But, if we all work together, I think we can make it all fit together.

Scott:
I really like him, you know? He likes a lot of the same things I do...he seems like a really great guy! He just acts like he's afraid of me.

Carol (shakes her head):
He's not afraid of you. He's afraid of the responsibility of you.

Scott:
But, I thought he had that already with your little girl?

Carol:
Sort of, but, not completely. See, he doesn't have to worry about what Tatiana thinks of him because she didn't know anything about him until he walked into her life. But, you're his son. It's different with you. He feels like he let you down all those years you were apart. And he's not sure how to go about making all that up to you.

Scott:
But, he doesn't have to! Doesn't he understand that? I don't care about anything that happened before I met him. I just care about what we do together now!

Carol (smiles):
Your Mom has done a great job with you, you know? (touches his hair brushing his bangs away from his face)
You're a pretty incredible kid.

Scott (smiles, nervously):
She told me my Dad was a pretty incredible guy.

Carol (nods with a smile):
That, he is! And that's putting it mildly. He'll get used to you, Scott. Just give him some time.

Scott (grins):
Yeah, I got plenty of that, I guess!

Carol puts her arm around Scott's shoulder and the two of them head into the house together.

Cut scene back to County ER. Doug is shuffling through folders at the front desk when Nina Pomerantz comes through.

Doug (looks up...calls out to her):
Nina! I was hoping to catch you! Have you got a minute?

Nina (stops, turns back to Doug):
Sure! Something on your mind?

Doug (steps around the counter):
Come on, I'll buy you some coffee.

Doug and Nina walk to the end of the hallway to a coffee machine and Doug puts money in to get them both something out of it. Then, they walk slowly on down the hall to converse between themselves.

Nina:
Having problems fitting your little family together?

Doug (chuckles):
Haven't even gotten to that part yet! That comes tonight. Scott should have met Tatiana by the time I get there, but, I think those two will be OK. No, it's actually Scott I wanted to talk to you about.

Nina (nods):
OK. What's on your mind?

Doug:
I know he's been hit with a lot to try and handle. And he seems to be holding up really well with it. But, I'm just concerned that he doesn't seem to want to talk much about it. Is that normal?

Nina:
Well, children handle grief in different stages and react to it in different ways. What Scott is dealing with now is the shock of realization that his Mother and Dennis are both gone. Once that wears off, I'm sure he'll open up a little more. Talking, though, is something you might have to work on with him.

Doug (confused):
Me work on it with him?

Nina:
Children are the greatest imitators, Doug. Surely you know that. He will follow whatever lead he gets to go by...what ever example is set for him by you and Carol.

Doug (shakes his head):
I don't think I follow you.

Nina:
Simply put, you don't talk to your father, so, how do you expect Scott to talk to you?

Doug (defensively):
That's not really fair, Nina. My relationship with Ray has nothing to do with my relationship with Scott.

Nina (smiles with a sigh):
Doug, don't you understand that it goes back to formality? You are uncomfortable in your relationship with your son because you don't have a relationship with your father. You don't have any concept of a father/son relationship because you've never experienced it. It's a cycle that you will pass along to Scott if you don't find some way to break this pattern now.

Doug (pained expression):
You mean, Scott could still turn out like me?

Nina:
What other lead can he follow now? With Dennis gone from his life, you're the only man he has to model himself after now.

Doug (rubs his chin, deep in thought):
I guess I never thought of it that way.

Nina:
I thought you were making amends with Ray...how is that working for you?

Doug (shrugs):
We've had a few conversations. He knows about some things. I'm still trying to move things slow.
(pauses)
He's kind of excited about the kids. Maybe I should change gears a little bit. Maybe Carol and I should invite him for dinner or something.
(sighs)
So many things to do...

Nina (smiles, touches his shoulder):
Welcome to parenthood.

She steps away and leaves Doug standing alone, pondering over everything they've talked about together.

Fade Act One To Black.

"ER"

"Into The Tunnel"

Act Two

Scene opens at County ER front desk. Randi is distributing messages as the staff comes up from various areas.

Randi:
Dr. Greene!
(Hands message to Mark)
Your lawyer called.

Doug (looks up quickly):
Lawyer? What'd I do now?

Mark (shakes his head with a knowing smile):
Relax, Doug. Not about you for once. Jennifer and I are meeting with him to discuss provisions for Rachel. This whole thing has made me realize I don't have any such long term plans for her and I should.

Randi:
Dr. Ross, Sister Mary Catherine called from St. Michael's. She will be able to meet with you tomorrow about 2PM.

Doug (nods):
I was hoping to set that for the same day as the reading of the Will, but, I guess that's not gonna work!

Mark:
By the way, Doug, did you do the follow up on the McKenzie kid? The one with his arm caught in the grate?

Doug (snaps his fingers in remembrance):
On my way now...

Doug darts away quickly as Mark shakes his head with a sigh. John Carter comes up and lays a file on the desk, then leans on the counter to take a break.

Mark (glances at file):
The Kitner kid? I thought Doug was taking care of that one?

Carter (shrugs):
I got it. It was no problem.

Mark (a little sterner):
That's not the point, Carter. You shouldn't step in and take over another doctor's patient without first consulting with that doctor over it.

Carter (calmly):
Not even if the patient is left sitting in an exam room for 45 minutes and you can get them out of here in a hurry?

Mark (amazed...and concerned):
Doug left a four year old kid and a parent sitting in an exam room for 45 minutes?

Carter (shrugs):
I figured something more important must have come up, so I took care of it. It's OK.

Carter steps on away. Focus on Mark with a concerned look on his face and cut scene.

Open next scene in Nina Pomerantz' office. She is sitting at her desk, shuffling madly and looking for something she obviously can't when she hears the knock on her door.

Nina (frustrated):
Oh, yes! What! Come in!

Doug opens the door and peers in. Nina looks up at him helplessly and he grin at her.

Doug:
This a bad time?

Nina (sighs):
No, come on in.
(Doug enters the room and closes the door)
What's on your mind?

Doug (shrugs):
Just a couple of questions...psychological questions about kids.

Nina (smiles):
You know them medically and I know them emotionally, huh? OK! What have you got?

Doug:
Well, Scott's going to have to change schools and move from Springfield to here, and I was just wondering what kind of an effect that might have on him?

Nina:
What to expect behavior wise, you mean?
(Doug nods)
It's good you're thinking like this. That will help Scott a lot. He's what ten? Eleven?

Doug:
Almost eleven...

Nina:
So, he's in the 5th grade? 6th grade?

Doug:
Fifth...I think.

Nina:
Well, he'll probably adjust pretty well. He's a boy, and boys handle things like that better than girls do. Besides, you said he's already attending a hockey camp down here, he likely already had some friends here, which will help. He probably will do OK. The only thing I'd watch for would be signs of obvious withdrawal. His grades will pretty much tell you the rest.

Doug (nods):
Yeah. OK.

Nina:
Just try to help him all you can and I'm always available if you need me for either one of you.

Doug:
Send my kid to a shrink? I don't think so!

Nina:
It's not as uncommon as you might think. Especially not in situations like this. Sometimes kids find it easier to talk to guidance counselors or teachers than they do parents about what they're feeling. Scott may need someone totally neutral to talk to. If he does, I'd be happy to see him.

Doug (nods):
Yeah, well, OK. I'll keep that in mind.
(starts back out the door)
Thanks.
(turns back to her with a grin)
It's under the file on the edge of the desk.
(Nina looks up at him quickly)
The pen you're looking for? File on the left...
(points)

Nina lifts up the file and retrieves her pen, giving Doug a chuckle and a shake of her head as she closes the door.

Cut to show Doug coming back into the ER and Mark cutting him off at the base of the hallway near the desk.

Mark (quickly):
Hey, Doug, you got a minute?

Doug (spins around to Mark's direction, distracted from his destination):
Sure!

Mark motions Doug into an empty exam room and closes the door. Doug senses right away he is in trouble.

Doug:
Uh oh. I know that look. What'd I do now?

Mark:
I'm thinking maybe you should take a few days off...get your personal affairs in order...

Doug (shifts his weight and folds his arms):
Don't sugar coat me, Mark. just tell me what I did!

Mark:
I just think maybe your mind isn't completely on your work right now and maybe you need some personal time to take care of your family right now. Doug, it's OK! Any of us who are parents can understand what you're going through right now...

Doug:
Is this about the McKenzie kid?

Mark (agitated):
No, actually, this is about the Kitner kid that you left sitting in an exam room for 45 minutes! I haven't gotten to the lecture about the McKenzie kid yet.
(Doug sighs and runs his hands through his hair, leaning on the table in a distraught manner)
Look, Doug, it's nothing life threatening...THIS time. You have a lot of things you need to get done in a short period of time. Why don't you take a few days, get your son registered in school, go to the reading of the will, and whatever else you need to do so you can settle down and get back to work.

Doug:
Mark, I'm really sorry...it won't happen again...Carol's off during the day, I should let her take care of some of it...

Mark (cuts him off with a shake of his head):
No, I think right now it's important for you to be with Scott. I think he needs to be with you right now. You guys probably need to go to Springfield and get his things...

Doug:
That's something else bothering him, I think. He didn't want to go with Patricia and the girls...

Mark:
Maybe he doesn't want to go with his Aunt. Maybe he wants to go with his Dad. Maybe this is something he needs to share with you. Have you TALKED to him, Doug? At all?
(Doug gives him a helpless look)
About like you talk about anything else, huh? You can't do it that way, Doug! He's just a kid...

Doug (defensively):
Don't stand there and tell me how to raise a kid, OK? I don't see you exactly winning Father of The Year Awards with Rachel!

Mark (holds up his hands defensively):
OK! OK! I didn't mean to be critical! I was only trying to help.

Doug (turns away in despair):
It's not your fault. I guess I'm just edgy. I've been cross with Tatiana and Carol and I have barely spoken to each other all day. It must just be me.

Mark (quiet tone):
You're under a lot of stress right now, Doug. None of this is easy. Last I checked, you were human like all the rest of us.

Doug (sighs):
I just want a smooth transition for Scott. I can't imagine what he must be going through right now. And I don't really know how to be there for him because of that.

Mark (nods):
That's why I think you should take a few days and stay home with him. Maybe you can use that time for the two of you to bond a little bit.

Doug (quietly):
Everything happened so fast. For all of us.

Mark (nods):
And I can understand that. That's why I'm trying to give you time to take care of a few things. I don't have time to be following up every patient you take for the next couple of days.

Doug (sheepishly):
You followed up the Kitner kid?

Mark (shakes his head):
No, Carter did. But, he doesn't have time to do it either. Look, Doug, you more than make up for it around here. You fill in whenever anybody needs you. Your work late. You trade shifts. I really don't mind letting you have this time at all.

Doug (grin):
In fact, you're insisting, huh?
(sighs)
OK. You win. I'll check back in with you in a day or so, that be OK?

Mark (gives him an encouraging nod):
If you need more than a couple of days, then TELL ME, OK? You're going to have to add the word 'communicate' to your vocabulary now, Doug...
(Doug chuckles as they start away together)
Decided on a Catholic school, huh?

Doug:
Well, that's where we put Tatchie. We figured they can at least be in the same complex and ride the same bus.

Mark (shakes his head with a chuckle):
See NOW you're thinking like a parent...

Doug goes on down the hall and disappears into the lounge to get his jacket and leave. Carter comes up and stops beside Mark, watching Doug go.

Carter (motions to Doug):
He going to be OK?

Mark (nods):
Yeah. He's going to be fine. Just needs a couple of days to take care of some family problems. That's all.

Carter (Nods):
You're a good man, Dr. Greene.

Mark (grins as Carter starts away):
Thanks, Carter!
(quietly...Carter does not hear him)
I hope you still feel that way when I give you his work load!

Mark gathers up files and paper and starts back through the ER, only to be cut off by incoming Medics with gurneys.

Fade Act Two to black.

"ER"

"Into The Tunnel"

Act Three

Scene opens Chicago exterior. Show people mulling about in all directions. Then, focus on Scott and Doug walking slowly and eating ice cream. They stop by a pond and watch ducks swimming and playing out on the water.

Doug:
Something I wanted to talk to you about.

Scott:
Got some things I wanted to ask you about, too.

Doug (nods):
OK. You go first.

Scott:
What happens at the Reading of the Will?

Doug:
Well, a lawyer will open the Will your Mom and Dennis filed and tell everybody involved in it exactly what it says.

Scott:
But, I thought you had a copy of it.

Doug (nods):
I do.

Scott:
Then, why does somebody have to tell you what it says?

Doug (shrugs):
That's just the way it's done. It's just a legal formality. Nothing more.

Scott:
Will Nanna and Gramps be there?

Doug:
I'm sure they will be.

Scott:
Well, are they gonna give you a hard time like they did in the cemetery?
(Doug gives him a painful look)
I overheard Gramps yelling at you.

Doug:
Then, I'm sorry you had to hear that.

Scott (shrugs):
It's nothing new. When Mom first told him we had heard from you, they had a big fight about it. Why does he hate you so much?

Doug:
He didn't think I was the right kind of man for his daughter, mostly.
(Looks blankly out over the pond)
I used to be a lot different than I am now, Scott.

Scott:
I know. You used to drink a lot, and run wild with women. Mom told me. But, you don't do those things now, do you?

Doug (shakes his head):
No, I don't.

Scott (shrugs):
Then what does it matter what you used to do?

Doug (grins):
Because for some reason, that's just not as easy for adults as it is for kids.
(short pause)
So, did you meet Tatiana?

Scott (grins):
Yeah. And went to a tea party already.

Doug (chuckles):
Oh, the first of many, I'm sure.

Scott:
Do you go to them, too?

Doug:
Yeah. One of these days we'll go together.

Scott (thinking):
Can I ask you something else about the Will?

Doug (nods):
Sure.

Scott:
Why does Gramps say you'll never get me if the Will says you will?

Doug (sighs):
That means he plans to contest it.

Scott (repeats):
Contest it? What does that mean?

Doug:
Well, that means he plans to file a legal document stating he thinks the Will was written or signed under Duress and he wants it checked out further.

Scott:
Under duress? What does that mean?

Doug:
That's just a legal term. He just wants someone to check and be sure I didn't hold a gun to your Mother's head and make her sign you over to me or something else crazy like that.

Scott:
Do you have a Will?

Doug (thinking):
No.
(shakes his head)
No, I don't.

Scott:
So, what would happen to me if something were to happen to you?

Doug:
Well, nothing's going to happen to me.

Scott (looks up at him innocently):
I bet my Mom thought that, too.

Doug (smiles down at him):
Yeah, Buddy. I bet she did.

Scott:
So, are you gonna make a Will?

Doug:
Yeah, Carol and I will talk about it.

Scott:
Will you leave me to Carol? I like her a lot.

Doug (chuckles):
Yeah, I do, too. Yeah, I could leave you with Carol. Carol or your Aunt Trish.

Scott (quietly):
Just don't leave me to them, OK?

Doug:
Them?

Scott (sheepishly):
Nanna and Gramps. I love them, you know? But, it hurts to hear the way they talk about you.

Doug:
Then, you need to tell them that. You need to communicate your feelings to people, Scott. Otherwise they don't know what you're thinking.
(pause)
Which is what wanted to talk to you about. We need to get your things out of the house in Springfield. How do you think we should do that?

Scott (nervously...looks out over the water):
I thought Aunt Trish was gonna take care of all that.

Doug:
Well, she's going to take the girls and take care of some it. But, I thought you might want to handle your stuff yourself.
(Scott shrugs)
Don't shut me out, Scotty. I can't help you if I don't know what's wrong.

Scott:
I guess I'm just kind of scared.

Doug (confused):
Scared? Scared of what? The house?

Scott:
I don't know. I can't explain it. It's just a feeling I have.

Doug:
I have a friend at the hospital who might help you understand it a little better, if you wanted to talk to someone.

Scott (scoffs):
She's a shrink, right?

Doug (nods, with a wry smile):
Yes, she is. But, she's also my friend. And she's been helping me for quite a while with several problems I've been having.

Scott:
I might.
(pauses)
If I go to Springfield, will you go with me?

Doug (nods):
If you want me to.

Scott (nods enthusiastically):
Yeah. If you'll go with me, we can go this weekend and get my stuff.

Doug (nods):
OK.
(pause)
Would you like to go with me tomorrow to visit the school you're going to go to?

Scott (grins at him):
Did you get fired from work or something?

Doug (chuckles):
No, Dr. Greene just gave me some time off to take care of a few things with you.

Scott (nods):
I like Dr. Greene. He seems like he's pretty cool.

Doug:
He's a good guy...a real good guy.
(pause)
So, you want to go with me?

Scott (nods):
Sure. I already know two kids there from the ice rink. Maybe I'll even get in a class with one of them. I know they have a soccer team. It'll be OK.

Doug (smiles):
You play Soccer, too?

Scott (nods):
Yeah! Will you come watch me play? Dennis used to come to all my games all the time...course, he wasn't a doctor...

Doug:
I promise to come when I can...is that good enough?

Scott (nods):
Do you like being a doctor?

Doug (nods):
Yes, I do. I can't imagine doing anything else with my life right now.

Scott:
I bet you'd be a good coach. You listen good.

Doug (chuckles):
Well, thanks, but, I'm sure there are plenty of people who would disagree with you on that.

Scott (sheepishly):
Can I ask you something personal?

Doug (nods):
Sure...

Scott:
Were you ever in love with my Mom? Like you are with Carol?

Doug (shakes his head):
No. I've never been in love with anybody like I am with Carol. She's something pretty incredible that even I can't explain.

Scott:
Can I ask you something else personal?

Doug:
Scott, you don't have to ask me if you can ask me something! You can ask me anything! It's OK.

Scott:
Do you hate your father?

Doug (chuckles):
No, I do not hate my father. I don't know my father.

Scott:
Why not?

Doug (sighs):
It's a long story that I really don't want to get into with you right now.
(Scott nods...looks at the ground...Doug realizes he may have been cross)
Hey, I wasn't yelling at you, OK? It's just kind of complicated. But, I don't hate him. Really.

Scott:
Will I get to meet your parents?

Doug (nods):
Yeah! Sure! I promise! OK?

Scott (nods):
OK.

Doug (looks at his watch):
Come on. We better get back. Carol will be leaving to go to work soon.

Doug and Scott start walking towards Doug's car and they are cut off by Fred Claymont who comes seemingly out of no where to address Doug face to face.

Doug (nonchalantly):
Are you following me around, Fred? I'd think you'd have better things to do with your time.

Fred (roughly):
You think you buy that kid ice cream and win him over with words, Ross?

Doug (sternly):
Scott, get in the car.

Scott slowly opens the car door and slides in on the passenger's side, buckling his seat belt, and peering out at Fred and Doug. He cannot hear them, but, he can see they are angry with each other.

Doug:
Listen, Fred, I don't really care what you think about me and I don't mind all that much what you say about me, but, I do think you should consider Scott's feelings in some of this...

Fred:
You think that boy is gonna want anything to do with you when he finds out what kind of a monster you really are?
(Doug gives Fred a confused look)
What's he gonna think when he finds out his own father tried to kill him? Is your supervisor aware of your past, Dr. Ross? Apparently there's a few things you might want to reconsider before a custody trial makes everything in your past public knowledge!

Focus on Doug with a shocked and hammered expression on his face. He backs slowly to the car and gets in, driving off quickly. Focus on Fred Claymont smiling a satisfied smile as the car disappears away from him and fade act three to black.

"ER"

"Into The Tunnel"

Act Four

Scene opens at County ER. Randi and shuffling files to Anna Del Amico, Maggie Doyle, and Kerry Weaver. Mark Greene and Carol Hathaway are working together at the computer.

Carol (quietly):
I hope you weren't too hard on Doug when you put him off.

Mark (sighs):
Is that what he told you? I did not 'put him off' as he calls it. I merely SUGGESTED he take a few days to get things settled with Scott. It wasn't a demand.

Carol (rolls her eyes):
Well, I hope you weren't too hard on him.

Mark (chuckles):
Am I ever?

Carol (shakes her head with a knowing smile):
No. I guess not.

She and Mark chuckle together at the thought of this and go back to concentrating on their work.

Cut scene. Focus tight on Doug Ross. He is sitting alone deep in thought. Move closer, and into his thought. Show a flashback image of Fred Claymont, angrily in his face, spitting out the words 'what will he think when he finds out what kind of monster you really are?' and 'his own father tried to kill him'. The image fades, but, the words, 'his own father tried to kill him' echo over and over in Doug's mind. He closes his eyes against the pain these words bring to him. Pan back to show he is sitting at the counter of a bar. He has in front of him a shot glass full of liquor and a bottle sitting beside the shot glass with the rest of the booze in it. He is toying with the shot glass in his hands, spinning it around in small circles on the counter. His look is troubled. And pained. He drops his head slightly and picks up the glass. He raises it to his lips, but, he doesn't take a drink. He lowers the glass back to the counter and starts spinning it again.

Ray (suddenly behind Doug, speaking over Doug's shoulder):
Mind if I join you?

Doug looks up, startled. When he sees his father he makes a blank motion to the stool beside him and Ray sits down with him.

Ray (quietly):
I saw you come in and I've just been watching you. Is everything all right?

Doug (shrugs):
I don't know.

Ray (slowly):
Can I offer you some advice?
(Doug gives him a sarcastic look, but, a nod of approval)
Whatever your problem is...
(points to bottle)
THAT is not the answer.
(Doug smiles slightly and nods lightly)
I think you know that, don't you?

Doug (nodding):
Yeah, Ray. I know that.

Ray (nervously, but, sincerely):
If you want to talk about anything, I'll listen.

Doug (tick of his head):
It's funny, Ray...
(ticks his head again)
For the first time in my life I think I might understand how you felt all those years ago.

Ray:
About what?

Doug (gives him a look):
When you ran out on Mom and me.

Ray (sighs):
I thought we agreed we weren't going to talk about that every time we got together now?

Doug:
We're not. It's just that I think I can understand a little better. Because right now, I'm scared to death.

Ray (gives him a knowing glance):
Thinking about running?

Doug (shakes his head emphatically):
No, no. Not a chance. I owe those two kids more than that. I took responsibility for Scott and I owe it to him to follow up on that. And, Tatiana, well, she really belongs to Carol, but, as long as Carol and I are together, which I hope is going to be for eternity, then, I owe her my best shot, too. But, right now, things are just so jumbled up and totally crazy, that I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Ray (nods):
I hear you...

Doug (continues):
BUT, a (smiles) wise man recently told me that I can't blame the example I had growing up for my own mistakes
(Ray chuckles)
So, I'll just have to find some way to balance it all out until I can juggle a little better than I can right now.
(ticks his head)
I can't drop the ball, Ray. Scott really needs me right now. I can't let him down.

Ray (smiles, knowingly):
So, if you feel that way, what are you doing sitting her contemplating this drink on the bar?

Doug (shrugs):
I don't know. Just seemed like the answer at the time I started.

Ray (reaches over and lifts the wedding ring on the chain hanging around Doug's neck):
Well, from the looks of things, I'd say you're a married man now.
(Doug nods with a chuckle)
You tell your mother you're married to that girl yet?

Doug:
We haven't 'told' anybody except our immediate supervisors. The wedding plans are still going on. So, no, Mom doesn't know.

Ray:
So, you're a married man with two young children at home.
(pause)
You want those two kids to grow up thinking their old man thought a $10 bottle of booze was more important than they were?
(Doug ducks his head with a sigh)
Who better than you knows what it's like to be a kid and want your father there and know that he thought a $10 bottle of booze was more important than he was?
(Doug nods, closes his eyes slowly)
I'd think you'd want better than that for your kids, Doug.

Doug (nods):
I do. And I'm going to try my hardest to make sure I give it to them. But, right now, I'm just so... (trails off)

Ray (finishes for him):
Scared. I know. And there's nothing I can say to you that can help you with that. You're on your own with this one.

Doug:
Well, I'm used to that, I guess!

Doug looks at his watch and slides off the stool.

Doug (smiles at Ray):
I think I better go home, Ray.
(Ray pats Doug on the shoulder as he starts away)
I want you to meet the kids. Tatchie doesn't have grandparents at all, so, Mom, and Helen, and you are about all she has. Scott has grandparents, but, he's never met the ones on my side yet. I think we need to take care of that pretty soon.

Ray (nods):
I appreciate that, Doug. Maybe I can be a better grandparent than I was a parent.

Doug (sternly):
You'll have to be, Ray. Because I won't let you hurt my kids the way you hurt me. If you come into their lives, you better stay there, because I'll only let you walk out on them once. And I won't make excuses for you, either. If you let them down, you'll have to explain to them why. Do we understand each other?

Ray (nods, proud smile):
Absolutely, Doug. You're in charge.

Ray reaches his hand to shake and Doug meets him halfway. They shakes hands and clap each other on the shoulder.

Cut scene.

Open next scene back at the Ross/Hathaway home. Show Doug going through the house and turning out lights. He leaves the porch light and a light downstairs on for Carol and starts up the steps to the second floor. Close to the top of the stairs, he leans over and picks up a stuffed animal lying in the floor. He carries it with him as he opens the door to Tatiana's bedroom and looks in on her. She is snuggled happily under the covers with her doll and sound asleep. Doug smiles and reaches the stuffed animal inside the room, setting it carefully on the dresser close to the door. Follow him down the hall to another room and he opens the door to look in on Scott. Scott is lying on a roll away bed in the middle of the room. The room has no furniture in it and there are sheets over the widows in place of curtains. Doug starts to close the door, but, notices out of the corner of his eye that Scott is awake.

Doug (calls softly):
You OK, Buddy?
(walks into the room to stand over the bed with him)

Scott (nods):
Yeah. I'm fine.

Doug (looks around):
We'll get your room fixed up, OK? Get your tuff down from Springfield and then you can fix it up any way you want, OK?

Scott:
Will you help me with it?

Doug (nods):
Sure, I will.

Scott:
I got some sports posters...can I hang them up?

Doug (ticks his head:
Better ask Carol about that! She's in charge of what goes in and on the wall, OK?

Scott (nods):
OK.
(looks around the room)
Can we paint it?

Doug (nods with a smile):
Sure! If that's what you want! It's your room. You fix it however you want it, OK?

Scott:
What’s the house in Springfield gonna be like when we get there?

Doug (not sure he understands):
I don't know what you mean. It'll be just like it always was. Nothing has changed. It'll look just like it did the day you left.

Scott:
Gonna seem really strange, you know? To be in that house, without Mom and Dennis there.

Doug (nods, sadly):
I know.

Scott (grins):
But, I'm real glad you're gonna be with me.

Doug (nods):
I'm glad I'm going to be with you, too, Buddy.

Scott:
Where'd you go tonight? I missed you!

Doug:
I had someplace I had to go. Did you need something?

Scott (shrugs):
No. Nothing important. I just missed you.

Doug:
Well, I'm home now, so, go to sleep, OK?

Doug reaches down and roughs his son's hair and goes back across the room, turning out the light before he closes the door.

Cut scene to show Carol coming out of the bathroom in her nightgown and sliding, exhausted, into bed beside Doug. He is under the covers, but, shirtless. Once she is in bed, he turns on his side to face her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and nuzzling her neck lightly.

Carol:
Oh, Doug...
(giggles)
...it's been a long day...

Doug (mock frustration):
Do you realize this is the first time we've been in bed together in almost a week?

Carol (amazed):
It is, isn't it?

Doug (inches closer...impish grin):

So, let's make the most of it, shall we?
(he pulls her closer to him and kisses her neck hungrily)

Carol (in delight):
What about the kids?

Doug (doesn't stop):
What about them? Scott's old enough to know to knock on a closed door and Tatchie wouldn't know quiet if you pasted it to her. We'll be fine...

He pulls the cover up over them and dives in with her, both of them laughing with delight.

Fade Act Four to Black.

"ER"

"Into The Tunnel"

Closing Act

Scene opens Chicago exterior, daytime, early morning. Show a newspaper carrier out delivering papers and other early morning action. Focus on a rented moving truck parked in front of Carol's house. Pan in close to show the back of it is open. Show Mark Greene standing in the street, holding rope in his hand, and looking up. Mark has on jeans, a t-shirt and a jacket with tennis shoes. Doug is leaning into the back of the truck, over the tailgate. Focus from the back and we can't be sure what he is doing, but he is working with the rope. He is also wearing jeans, with tennis shoes, a sweatshirt, and a ball cap. He turns around, satisfied everything is ready, and jumps down to join Mark.

Doug (smiles):
Hey, Mark, thanks for your help. I really appreciate it.

Mark (grins):
Hey, don't mention it...I didn't have anything better to do on my day off.
(shrugs)

Doug:
Funny how things change, huh?

Mark (in thought, as they start away):
Yeah. Sure is.
(Motions over his shoulder)
You sure you know how to drive that thing?

Doug (scoffs):
I can drive anything with wheels! Don't you worry about me!

The reach the porch and wait at the banister. Carol comes out, yawning, in her bathrobe. She gives Mark a short wave in between yawning again.

Carol:
Hey, Mark.

Mark (teasingly, to Doug):
Does she always look like this first thing in the morning?

Doug (joins right in with him):
No! Sometimes she looks even worse.

Carol (pokes Doug in the ribs):
You better watch it. I know how to change the locks.

Doug (scoffs):
Ah, no problem!

Mark (laughing):
You'll just be like Rhett Butler in Gone With The Wind, huh? No lock will keep you out! (all laugh at the joke)

Doug (calling):
Hey, Scotty! Come on! Let's get moving!

Scott (calling from inside the house):
Coming!

Carol:
Drive careful...
(makes a stab at kissing Doug on the cheek. He leans to give it to her, but, she still misses)
I'm going back to bed...

Doug (in mock tone as she starts away):
Yes, I love you too, sweetheart...

Carol gives him a 'be gone' wave of her hand and disappears into the house just as Scott comes bounding out. He is dressed almost identical to Doug in jeans, tennis shoes, a sweatshirt, and a ball cap. The only difference is the name of the sports teams on their sweatshirts and ball caps.

Scott (happily):
Hi, Dr. Greene! You going too?

Mark:
Yeah, I thought you guys could use an extra pair of hands!

Scott:
Cool! Let's book it!

The three of them start for the truck and climb in. Just as they start to pull away, Doug makes the last minute checks.

Doug:
You got the key from Trish, right?

Scott (dangles it in front of Doug's face):
Right here, Dad.

Doug (nods):
OK. We're off.

Scott:
And when we get ready to leave, we have to swing by Jimmy Carrigan's house and pick up Iggy.

Doug (confused):
Iggy? Do I even want to know what Iggy is?

Scott (very matter-of-factly):
My iguana.

Doug (nods slowly, repeats slowly):
I-guan-a.

Mark (laughing)
Oh, boy!

Scott:
Yeah! My Iguana! Jimmy's been keeping him for me until I could get up to get him! I can't move without him. He's my best friend! Is that OK?

Doug (nods, dumb founded):
I guess it has to be!

Scott:
Think Carol will get mad?

Doug (scoffs):
Carol? Nah! She'll be fine! She tried to grow Belgium Earthworms once...she shouldn't mind an Iguana!

Mark (laughing):
I remember that...
(laughs lowly)
Two kids and Iguana. What's next, Doug?
(laughs more)
I can't wait to see what you do for an encore, Buddy!

Ad lib action in the truck of the three men playing the radio, arguing over road directions, and all talking at once and Fade Closing

Act to Black.

August 18. 1997